Transporting a TV without a box: useful tips and tricks

We at Moving would like to help you if you want to move your TV without the original box. It may seem difficult, but with good preparation and a few handy tips, your television will not get unnecessary scratches or other damage. This way, your new TV will arrive safely at its new destination, whether you have a 55 inch OLED or an older model. In this article, you will find our best suggestions and examples for a smooth transport.

Packing your TV when moving – do's and don'ts!

Moving a TV can be exciting. Below you can see what you should and should not do.

Do's for transporting your TV safely

  • Stand the TV upright, as a flat screen can become warped or cracked.
  • Disconnect all cables and plugs. Roll them up neatly and stick a label on them. This prevents a tangle of cables. Make sure that you secure all wires and cables with adhesive tape or elastic beforehand. Tie them together because transporting all wires and cables loose will cause problems because they can get tangled and you don't want that.
  • Cover the screen with soft protective materials, such as bubble wrap or a soft cloth, to prevent damage.
  • Place the TV in a sturdy place in the moving van or on the backseat of your car with a thick moving blanket underneath.

Don'ts moving tv

  • Do not place the TV under heavy boxes with fragile items. This increases the risk of damage.
  • Avoid putting tape directly on the screen. This often results in ugly glue residue.
  • Do not drive recklessly. Transport the television calmly and avoid abrupt manoeuvres.
  • Don't mount the TV too tightly. A little room to move helps absorb shocks.

Packing and moving television supplies

For safe transport of a TV you don't need much. With a few simple materials you already run less risk. Here you see what we recommend:

Bubble wrap and fragile items

Preferably use a double layer of bubble wrap, especially if you have a fragile OLED TV. Transporting a television means that you have to make sure that it is well protected.

Moving blankets to safely move the television

Place a blanket under and possibly around the TV. This protects it from scratches and bumps. It is best to move a TV with a moving blanket. Always keep the screen facing upwards.

Tape or elastic and moving TV

Clamp all wires and cables together. This way you won't lose anything and you will prevent kinked cables.

Sturdy moving box or (if you're lucky) the original box of the TV

The original packaging keeps the TV in place better and limits the risk of sliding. Some moving boxes are strong enough for this and can be used as a separate box.

Soft cloth

Clean the TV carefully and cover the screen afterwards. An old towel also works well. This way you can transport the TV safely during the move.

RequirementsWhy necessary?Tip
Bubble wrapProtects the screen from impactUse two layers with OLED
Moving blanketCushioning during transportPlace under and around the TV
Tape or elasticBundles cables and locks foilThis creates less clutter
Sturdy boxStabilizes the TVTV must be upright in the box
Soft clothProtects and cleans the screenRemove dirt to prevent scratches

Plan of approach

1. Preparing to move your TV safely

Before you do anything with the TV, make a solid plan. Verify your email address when ordering stuff online. Get a Reddit account and feel free to ask questions on Reddit, because Reddit is anonymous and you often get useful tips. Also check if the room you are going through has enough space. A tight corner or a narrow door can slow things down. When moving, it is important to pay close attention to where you put the TV. Put the box on a moving blanket and make sure the back of the TV is facing down, so with the screen facing up.

2. Protection

Packing a television is best done with bubble wrap. Wrap it around the housing. If necessary, add moving blankets or other soft material. Have a thick moving blanket ready to put the TV on later. This reduces the chance of the screen getting scratched. Do you want your television to arrive safely? Then place the box neatly in a corner so that you can't bump into it. Moving something fragile like a television means that you have to be extra careful and this requires special attention. With extra protection you ensure that the television arrives safely at its destination. 

A friend of mine, Tim, used his old sleeping bag because he didn't have a moving blanket. It worked great. The sleeping bag acted as a thick layer of protection around the TV.

3. Safe transportation

Are you going to transport the TV? Keep these key points in mind:

  1. Stand the TV upright and let the screen breathe freely.
  2. If necessary, place it between mattresses or pillows to absorb shocks. Otherwise, attach the TV to the box so that you are sure that it is firmly attached. This is to prevent sliding. 
  3. Prevent the TV from sliding. So place it so that it cannot slide back and forth. This is especially important for TVs with large screens. 
  4. Drive carefully and avoid bumps or holes in the road. It sounds obvious, but it really helps to prevent damage. Take care when handling the television.

A customer told me he was transporting a 55 inch OLED in his hatchback. He put the seats down but left the TV tilted upright. He used a bunch of pillows and blankets to keep the TV from moving.

4. Unpack and connect

After transporting, carefully remove the TV from the car. Lift it upright inside. Place a thick moving blanket on the floor where you are placing the TV. Then remove the bubble wrap and moving blankets step by step. Check that there are no new scratches or dents.

Finally, reconnect all the wires and cables. Start with the power cable and then connect other connections on the back. If you want, you can also consult a reddit account during the installation to discuss any settings or usage tips.

Useful tips for when you are moving a TV

  • Before you start: Consider the size of your car or moving van. Do you need to fold down the seats?
  • Roll them up and tie your cables. This saves searching when reconnecting them.
  • Choose wisely: You may still have the original box. If so, use that. Don't have one? Buy a sturdy box or use what you have on hand.
  • TV should be upright: Again, laying it flat increases the chance of damage.
  • Drive carefully: Poor road surfaces and sharp bends cause greater shocks.
  • Sent to new destination: Check upon arrival for any surprises. Take a look at the TV and see if you need to move anything.

Request free quotes from Moving

If you are moving and want to make sure that your TVs and other valuables are transported well packed, you can request free quotes from Moving. We are happy to help you find a professional moving company that has experience with safe and reliable removals. This way you save yourself the stress of lugging things around yourself and you don't have to worry about broken screens.

So you can safely move your television

Moving a TV without a box may seem like a daunting task, but it can be a breeze if you’re smart about it. Start with a plan, prepare your materials, wrap your TV in bubble wrap and a thick moving blanket, and transport it upright. This will help you avoid any nasty scratches or cracks. Feel free to contact Moving if you need extra help or advice. Your TV deserves a safe journey and a nice spot in your living room. We at Moving wish you a pleasant move and hope that your TV won’t move during transport, so that it arrives undamaged and ready to use in its new home. Enjoy your screen once everything is in place, and have fun watching!